Managers’ Excuse Watch: Redknapp bemoans Leeds draw

Faced with the microphone in the wake of disappointing results, managers will often attempt to mask their side’s shortcomings with a few excuses. Who are they kidding? Below are some of our favourites from the recent fixtures.

After QPR’s automatic promotion hopes were all-but dashed when they had to settle for only a second point from the last 15 available against Leeds, manager Harry Redknapp went through the full repertoire.

“The ball went out for a throw in; they (Leeds) took ages to throw it back. We lost our momentum then and injury after injury, it just became difficult.

“I lost three players yesterday, who were going to start, with hamstring injuries yesterday morning The transfer window was difficult, the targets we went for, we didn’t get.”

QPR are still rated at 13/8 to make an immediate return to the Premier League, though it’s looking increasingly likely they’ll have to negotiate the play-offs.

Alan Pardew describes his outrageous headbutt during Newcastle’s win over Hull, but insists it was not one. Cameras don’t lie Alan.

“I did not mean any damage to the guy but I have moved my head forward. I tried to push him away with my head. I apologise to everyone. I should not have got involved. I don’t think it was a headbutt.”

Iain Holloway clearly thinks referees have an agenda when they visit the New Den after Brighton took the points off Millwall courtesy of a penalty.

“We haven’t got anything like the result we deserved. I want my lads to not shout at referees because we have been fined £16,000 in the last few weeks and it is my job to get fairness.

“A referee should walk into this ground and be ready to be fair to both teams.”

Despite explaining 3-1 winners Chelsea were “too good” early in his post-match interview, new Fulham boss Felix Magath still says the result would have been different had skipper Brede Hangeland not gone off injured in the first half.

“I’m sure if he (Hangeland) had played the whole game, we would have had another result.” Yep, we’re sure too Felix.

Finally, rather than be honest about Yayo Sanogo’s terrible miss against Stoke, Arsene Wenger admirably made an excuse for his young countryman.

“Like any young striker he just tries to hit it hard rather than place the ball.”

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